OPTIMUM RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WHEELBASE AND LENGTH OF TWO- AXLED GOODS WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRACTION AND SHOCK COUPLER. TESTS WITH MODIFIED DOUBLE SHACKLE LONG SUSPENSIONS AND SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS

Running quality tests to V = 130 km/h on two-axled goods wagons with variable wheelbases have shown that: (1) contrary to the views hitherto, the double shackle long suspension can be used, with the largest wheelbases possible from the constructional point of view, without any deterioration of the riding properties; (2) the single shackle short suspension in the form tested with reduced lateral play between axle box and axle guards, but retaining plate axle guards, is slightly better than the double shackle long suspension at the maximum wheelbases as far as the riding properties are concerned; (3) good riding properties can be achieved using wheel profiles with strong centering effect in the transverse direction at gauge widths not exceeding 1440 mm; (4) an increase of the centering effect of the double shackle long suspension in the transverse direction (by a 50% reduction of the effective pendulum length), while maintaining the original centering effect in the longitudinal direction, only entails a slight deterioration of the riding properties (this deterioration may possibly be compensated by an increased friction in the suspension system); and (5) an increase of the axle loads to 20 t in S and SS traffic would not seem to meet with any objections as far as the lateral forces exerted on the track are concerned. While choosing the type of spring suspension for wagons to be fitted with the automatic traction-and- shock couplings, allowance should be made for the fact that the single shackle short suspension does not allow radial adjustment of the wheelset on small radius curves, and, consequently, greater guiding forces and higher flange and rail wear must be expected. Moreover, greater guiding forces give rise to increased risk of derailments on twisted tracks.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Restrictions on the use of this document are contained in the explanatory material.
• Corporate Authors:

  International Union of Railways

  Office of Research and Experiments
  Utrecht,   Netherlands 
• Publication Date: 1969-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 11 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Couplers; Derailments; Freight cars; Length; Prevention; Ride quality; Stability (Mechanics); Suspensions; Two axle cars; Vehicle design; Wheel base
• Old TRIS Terms: Automatic coupling; Freight car design; Freight car length; Question b93; Running stability
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00052929
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: International Union of Railways
• Report/Paper Numbers: B93/RP 3/E Final Rpt.
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 27 1977 12:00AM